Alexandra Nyurgechova (known as Sasha) is a Pilates teacher at my studio, Spencer Pilates Arts. Sasha started running during the pandemic to clear her mind and get involved in a sport. On June 14, she is attempting a Half Ironman triathlon at Penn State, State College, PA and the full Ironman July 19th at Lake Placid, NY. I recently sat down with Sasha for a short interview leading up to this challenge.
SB: What got you interested in being an athlete?
AN: I have always been invested in movement. In high school I was in Track and Field and Basketball. I got interested in running recently because it keeps you going and you get to meet new people. You’re sharing the same passion.
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SB:Your attempting a half and full Ironman in June and July, how did you become a triathlete?
AN: When training for the Chicago Marathons in both 2022 and and 2023, I actually suffered some serious injuries, and everyone has setbacks- mine included a stress fracture 9 weeks before the Marathon. So because I can’t just sit around- I started going to the pool and I started biking. So when I started training, I was still able to complete those marathons training with mostly swimming and biking. And I thought, since I’m doing all of this, I should try the triathlon.
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SB: That’s such an inspirational story. From injuries to Marathon and even triathalon glory-you really deserve some serious credit. How is it that Pilates has helped your training?
AN: Pilates helps you as a triathelete. You have this opportunity to go to work and try these movements yourself. You can get on the mat and practice before you teach clients- to see how it truly feels. You can go through the movement yourself. Clients are the big inspiration. They show up- which is the consistency for any sport. Consistency is my inspiration. I have to be consistent as well.
SB: You definitely are consistent. I really wish you luck at both Ironman events. I’ll be there at Penn State for support. By the way, where is your favorite place to run in Forest Hills, Queens.
AN: You know, it’s the Forest Park trails. You can run through the trails and see our friends train. We’ve made a lot of friends, also see a lot of chipmunks and squirrels. It’s my favorite running path in New York.
SB: That’s not where I thought you would say…
AN: Of course, afterwards you can always head to Eddie’s Sweet Shop.
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